On Tuesday, Dec. 12, I attended a scrimmage game between the Amity Spartans and the Masuk Panthers Varsity ice Hockey Teams.

Of course, the scrimmages don’t count for the season, but from what I saw out on the ice in what resulted in a 6-3 “victory” for the Spartans, this year’s team, with its 11 seniors, promises to give fans something to cheer about.

Out and about at many Amity events, it’s clear that students adore former Hockey coach Gary Lindgren, and I don’t think that will ever change – he’s a lovable guy. But back in 2013-14 when Gary was battling cancer, his assistant coach Mike “Scooter” Richetelli stepped in and brought the boys all the way to the state championship game.

Richetelli, now the Head Coach, and most of the coaching staff are back, and the team is amazingly fast, aggressive and tight.

Unfortunately, the current roster hasn’t yet been posted to the CIAC website, and Amity’s new revamped site is still a mess (just my opinion). The Spartans play again tonight in the Jamboree at Bennett Rink (West Haven High School), taking the ice for 20 minutes against West Haven around 6:40 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. against Immaculate.

Richetelli said the team had a good scrimmage in Westfield, MA that gave them an early start and they did well on Tuesday. “We have 11 seniors and with their leadership, they’ll do what they’re supposed to do.” — (I wonder if any of those seniors were part of the excitement in 2014).

For the team’s first official game of the season, they’ll host BBD (Brookfield/Danbury and ?) at the Edward Bennett Rink in West Haven. this Saturday, Dec.16 at 6 p.m.

I encourage everyone to come out to cheer on the Spartans. Who knows, this could be another championship season in the making.

NOTE: Don’t forget the Girls’ Ice Hockey team, which always plays incredibly well, has three games this week.

A fire broke out at the Liberty Plaza, 501 Boston Post Road, Orange this morning around 10:35 a.m.

One lane of the Boston Post Road was closed to traffic and store owners and employees in the plaza were unable to leave due to the charged fire hoses that blocked the entrance.

The long, L-shaped plaza is built with fire breaks between stores, but it has a shared roof and when a fire breaks out, as it did in a ceramic store several years ago, the smoke can spread quickly affecting several businesses.

Orange responded quickly to this call and requested Woodbridge’s assistance. They also asked for the RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) from Milford Fire to come to the scene. — RIT is a designated crew that will serve as a stand-by rescue team for personnel and be available for the immediate search and rescue of any missing, trapped, injured or unaccounted for firefighter(s).

Store owners up and down the plaza stood in the parking lot and in their doorways watching as firefighters vented the building.

Paula’s Wig Shop, a longtime Orange business seemed to have sustained the most damage. The owner stood in shock in the parking lot, comforted by a young man, until the scene was cleared and Fire Marshal Tim Smith let her inside to see what was left of her livelihood.

So, what’s the good news? The one store, (just about 4 storefronts from the source) the Gun Shop, was the first in the row that wasn’t really affected. Employees were going in and out to see what was going on throughout the ordeal. A fire in that location could have been absolutely catastrophic.

Luckily, no one was hurt this morning.

Orange Live will update this story with the official report once we’ve spoken to authorities.

The business would employ about 75 people and activities would be supervised, as the participants are expected to be children ages 5-15.

The Commission expressed concerns with the condition of the parking lot, landscaping issues, signage, and lighting.

The applicant agreed to patch and stripe the parking lot and to submit a landscaping plan by the Jan. 2 TPZ meeting.

The application goes before the Police Commission on Monday, Dec. 11.

The discussion will continue at Jan. 2 meeting.
2. Review of the Minutes from the October 23, 2017, Special Meeting and the November 8, 2017, Meeting.

3. Old Business.

4. New Business.

5. Report of the Zoning Enforcement Officer.

PUBLIC HEARINGS 8:00 p.m.

6. *PETITION TO AMEND THE ORANGE ZONING REGULATIONS. Submitted for Senior Living Advisors, LLC for property owner Indian River Road LLC. To amend and edit Section 383-14 regarding the definition of Elderly
Assisted Living Residential Facility. To amend Section 383-14 to add a definition for Dwelling Unit, Senior Independent Living. To Amend the Orange Zoning Regulations to create a Senior Mixed Use District.

The well thought out proposal is in keeping with the plan of conservation and development and is an appropriate area for such a development but opens the door for residential developers to also come in and request zone changes in “light industrial 2” areas.

Resident George Findley (the same G.F. who vehemently opposed Stew Leonard’s) to speak against the proposal.

7. *PETITION TO AMEND THE ORANGE ZONING MAP. Submitted for Senior Living Advisors, LLC for property owner Indian River Road LLC. To amend the Orange Zoning Map to change property known as 231 Indian River Road – Lot 2 from Light Industrial LI-2 to Senior Mixed Use District.

8. PETITION TO AMEND THE ORANGE PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT – Upon the initiative of the Orange Town Plan and Zoning Commission. To amend the Orange Plan of Conservation and Development
regarding Transit Oriented Development in the Town of Orange. (The Public hearing on this matter was closed at the November 21, 2017, Meeting.)

9. PETITION TO AMEND THE ORANGE ZONING REGULATIONS – Submitted upon the initiative of the Orange Town Plan &amp; Zoning Commission. To amend Article XXIV – Transit Oriented Development District of the Orange
Zoning Regulations. (The Public hearing on this matter was closed at the November 21, 2017, Meeting.)

Orange Live will be raffling off a lighted 16″ “Gingerbread Lighthouse” on a 16 X 20″ base for $2 per ticket. All proceeds will go to the Orange Food Bank.

The Lighthouse, which was made during a 26-hour period from an original design, received rave reviews at the Orange Holiday Festival and would attract attention wherever it goes on display.

It can be shellacked and preserved for the future.

We are happy to be able to offer this piece to the Orange Community and hope you will help us raise a sizeable contribution to the Orange Community Services Food Bank.

The Lighthouse will be on display at Maplewood of Orange during its Festival of Lights tonight from 4-7:30 p.m. and Wednesday evening at Material Girls Boutique for its Holiday Girl’s Night Out from 5-8:30 p.m.

The drawing will take place on December 12.

If any other local businesses would like to display the Lighthouse to assist in ticket sales, please call Terri at 203-506-1747.

NOTE: Although constructed completely of edible items, we suggest that the Lighthouse be used for display purposes only. The recipe used is for a Structural Gingerbread, which makes it very strong – like plywood – and tasteless. The Royal Frosting is probably stronger than Gorilla Glue and contains raw egg whites.

I know bird owners with assorted parrots, and have had parakeets and a cockatiel in the past, and I can tell you that some birds are loud and messy and that bird ownership is just not for everyone.

I have found a sweet, “quiet” bird that may be a wonderful addition to your family.

Finches are smaller than a parakeet, even smaller than some canaries, and they can add a calming presence to your bedroom or living room.

These sociable birds should be bought in pairs — if you don’t want to breed them get two of the same sex.

Provide them with a small cage with treats, cuttlebone, mirrors, toys, nutritious seed blend and fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh water and a nice warm bird bath.

At pet stores, these birds can cost you $35-$50 each, but right now you can find some beautiful, happy, healthy Zebra Finches at Zoey Girl Pet Services, 185 Boston Post Road, where they are multiplying like mice (when you stop by you will see the eggs in their nests)!

They are available to good homes for just $10 each. If you are interested in adopting two or more, call Mae at 203-606-9220.

I’ve never entered the gingerbread contest at the Orange Holiday Festival. The last time I attempted a house was making one with my daughter from a store-bought kit many, many years ago — It was a miserable failure. But she had fun.

About two weeks ago I bought a couple of the kits, thinking I could create something cool, but — maybe it was a sign or something — my dog jumped up on the counter and stole the box while I was out and ate all the gingerbread.

I decided to make my own, and after tons of Internet research I chose to use the structural gingerbread recipe which doesn’t contain any spices but it is super strong and virtually unbreakable.

I came up with a design, that my daughter said was insane for a first attempt, but I am so stubborn that I went forward with it.

Gingerbread people are very generous with their time and aren’t selfish with their techniques and ideas, so when I got stuck I could easily find a solution on the Internet.

I made 5 batches of dough and had several failed structures, until, finally – Success! I was able to accomplish the most difficult part of my design to my satisfaction.

The Royal Icing recipe I used contains egg whites, so there was no taste testing in the process. And it is the strongest “glue” I’ve ever used.

I struggled through the finishing touches, but in the end, everything in my presentation is edible (except for the “structural gingerbread” but that doesn’t stop my dog from stealing the discarded pieces from the trash).

I’m terrified that I’ll drop it on the way to the Clark Building tonight because of its shape and size, but if it survives the ride, walk up the stairs and opening the door, you will be able to see an entry that took no less than 26 hours to create start to finish.

I don’t expect to win because year after year I’m in awe of the amazing creations all the talented folks enter. I’m just happy that I have an opportunity to join them this year.

I did NOT win a prize, but I also never saw any rules for the contest. In retrospect, I think that it is for kids and families, although I never published anything like that.

Next year, my granddaughter will have a much bigger role than just looking at it and offering her opinion when she sees it. 2018’s entry will be by Amelie and Yia Yia!

Congratulations to all the winners, especially the little girls with the circular train set up — I really did love that one!

One of a kind! Everything separate. Main home is elegant with great room and in-law is perfect. Separate entrances, garage use too! Each side has a full basement, separate utilities, central air, laundry, septic. This is amazing. Ready for move in! Quick close!

There are very few official in-law homes in town. Beautiful driveway is huge for loads of cars.

Situated on 40,075 sq ft of open, level grounds with professional landscaping and walkways.